LA PLATA, Md. (June 21, 2009)—The Maryland Junior College (JUCO) Conference awarded the College of Southern Maryland the Sportsmanship of the Year Award for 2008-2009 at its annual spring meeting May 19.

JUCO is comprised of Maryland community colleges, with every conference member voting for the college they feel most exemplifies the behaviors represented by this award. CSM is the fourth college to receive the award.

"We are proud of the accomplishments of our student athletes on the field and on the court," said Director of Student Life and Athletics Michelle Ruble. "We are equally proud of the conduct of our students both in the heat of competition and in their everyday lives. This sportsmanship award speaks to the character and caliber of the young men and women of CSM who participate in sports while advancing their college careers and the coaches who teach and model this behavior. This honor is very special and we are delighted the conference chose us."

CSM also honored its athletes during its annual banquet. Marco Gaudio, an international student from Cambridge, England, now living in Waldorf, was recognized as the Male Athlete of the Year. Gaudio was third in the U.S. in scoring, as he led the mens soccer team to a 19-1-1 record and a final ranking of ninth in the nation.

Chantal Hebron, of Waldorf, was recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year. Hebron is an All-American (2nd Team), and ranked in the top 20 nationally in hitting efficiency (19th), and 'kills-per-game' (16th) in volleyball. In womens basketball, Hebron was the team's leading rebounder. Hebron also played softball, starting most games in right field.

Joe Saverino, of Upper Marlboro, was recognized as the Scholar Athlete of the Year, as the sophomore having the highest grade point average. Saverino will be playing baseball next spring for Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn. Jasmine Wade was honored with the Wings of the Hawk award for her hard work scheduling the event staff this year and running the concession stand during basketball games.

CSM inducted three new members into its Hall of Fame.

Randy Halfpap, of Salisbury, played tennis for the Hawks during the 1993 and 1994 seasons. Halfpap led the 1993 team to an undefeated season, the MDJUCO and Region XX Championships and a final ranking of 22nd in the country. Halfpap qualified for the National Tournament both years and was one of the top 16 players in the country. He was 1st Team All Region XX both years at CSM. Halfpap now coaches mens and womens tennis at Salisbury University. This spring he had his 100th career win with the womens tennis team and has 99 wins with the mens tennis team.

David Hayes, formerly of Waldorf, played soccer for CSM during the 1995 and 1996 seasons and is the NJCAA Goal Scoring Leader, with 102 goals during his two-year career at CSM. Hayes was a two-time 1st Team All-American and selected 1st Team All-MDJUCO, 1st Team All-Region XX and named to the All-Region XX Tournament Team both years at CSM. Now living in Portland, Ore., Hayes continues to play soccer on the Portland Timbers professional soccer team.

Tom Peterson, of York, Pa., played baseball for the Hawks during the 1971 and 1972 seasons. He was 1st Team All-MDJUCO and 2nd Team All-Region XX both seasons at CSM.